A CAR park could almost triple in size if new plans are approved.

The car park, within the popular Southchurch Park, in Southend, could have more than 180 extra spaces created if the proposals are given the green light.

The plans, submitted by Southend Council, outline 269 car spaces, ten disabled spaces, and 11 coach spaces.

There are currently 100 car spaces and five disabled spaces.

The expanded car park - which will be operated as pay and display - will still be accessed via the existing entrance and exit from Lifstan Way.

The council’s proposal also states that the whole car park will be fully resurfaced and will provide a ANPR security system.

The car park will not be open overnight, with the gates closed overnight.

It is not yet known what time the gates will close.

According to Southend Council, the closure of the car park will “take into account residential neighbours and aims to remove the opportunity for antisocial behaviour and traveller incursion”.

The plans are the first stage of Southend Council’s plan to overhaul parking in the town centre.

Ron Woodley, deputy leader of Southend Council, said more details will be presented at a meeting in June.

He said: “This is really good for Southend.

“It shows how serious we are about getting people shopping in the town.

“This will encourage people to get onto our beaches.

“We want to get people to spread themselves along the coastline.”

He added: “People will be exceptionally pleased with the review.

“We’ve also got applications for car parks in Shoebury that will improve the car parks there too.”

Southend’s Conservative group have sparked a debate over whether the introduction of free parking in the town centre would solve the problem of parking in the town.